You may have been wondering why there’s a high demand for nurses in Canada! Well, this is due to a labor shortage affected by an aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic. And there’s every possibility for this shortage to persist. Undoubtedly, nursing is one of the most sought-after careers in Canada as it’s one of the highest-paying jobs.
As an immigrant, there are ample opportunities for you in this field due to the high demand for nurses in Canada. Meanwhile, nurses play an essential role in Canada’s health care system. Even though the pandemic gave rise to an urgent need, the demand for nurses grew due to the aging Canadian population which requires more healthcare services.
Furthermore, the high demand for nurses in Canada is also affected by nurses who are retiring from the workforce. As such, the Canadian government has established different schemes and initiatives that would attract and retain professionals in this extraordinary field. Immigrants with outstanding skills and experience as a nurses can also benefit from these initiatives.
In this article, we will discuss extensively how to get a nursing job and the registration requirements to become a nurse in Canada. As well as the average salary of nurses and how to benefit from the high demand for nurses in Canada. Interested? Let’s get started!
How To Get A Nursing Job In Canada
Do you wish to benefit from the high demand for nurses in Canada? If so, then keep reading! To get a nursing job in Canada, ensure you follow these simple steps below.
Enhance Your Skills
As a nurse, it’s very important to improve your expertise by staying updated with the latest advancements in nursing practices. You will need to keep up with growing trends like nursing technologies, telehealth services, remote patient monitoring, and patient wearable medical devices.
Build A Strong Portfolio
To showcase your experience and expertise as a nurse, you must develop a portfolio. Ensure you include some project samples where you have worked with members of an interdisciplinary health team to plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate patient care. You can also highlight any relevant certifications, training, or continuing education that you possess.
Networking
Generally, networking is an essential part of securing a job. Therefore, make it a priority to attend industry events and conferences that are related to nursing and other healthcare management. You can also engage with nursing and healthcare online communities, forums, and social media groups to connect with professionals in the field. Additionally, networking will allow you to build relationships with potential employers and discover job openings on time.
Research The Canadian Job Market
As a nurse, you may need to conduct thorough research on the Canadian job market. This will help you understand and identify cities or regions with the high demand for nurses in Canada. As well as getting to know healthcare facilities that are actively hiring and the required specific skills and qualifications.
Apply For Jobs
To search and apply for nursing jobs in Canada, you can make use of online job portals, professional networking platforms, and healthcare websites. Also, remember to customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience, leadership abilities, and accomplishments as a nurse.
Consider Immigration Programs
There are several immigration programs that you can explore to immigrate to Canada as a nurse. These programs include the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and work permits designed for skilled workers. Furthermore, such programs will provide you with opportunities to work and apply for a Canadian PR visa as a nurse.
You can also familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements such as language proficiency, education credentials evaluation, and CRS score calculator.
Prepare For Interviews
Due to the high demand for nurses in Canada, you can secure a nursing job by going through common interview questions in this field. Also, learn to express your experience in the industry, implement healthcare protocols, and handle challenging situations. In addition, discuss your ability to successfully work with interdisciplinary teams and maintain high standards of patient care.
Obtain Necessary Work Permit
Once you receive a valid job offer, then proceed to obtain your work permit. However, you must understand the criteria to obtain a work permit or visa requirements to legally work in Canada. You can also check out (IRCC) website for additional and updated information about the process.
Nursing Salary In Canada
One of the exciting things about pursuing a career in nursing is the competitive salary and great benefits involved. Considering some factors like experience, location, and specialization, nurses have the opportunity to earn between $53,000 and $95,000 annually. In this sector, salaries tend to be higher than average which reflects the high demand for nurses in Canada.
Registration Requirements To Become A Nurse In Canada
The first thing you should understand about working as a nurse in Canada is certain requirements need to be met. To achieve this, you will need to visit the provincial or territorial (where you plan to reside in Canada) nursing regulatory body. Here, you will get information about the required documents, as well as the assessment fees.
Furthermore, you will need to take this step before arriving in Canada as it’ll give you a clear understanding of the time and cost to apply. If you’re a foreign-trained nurse, you must obtain a General Certificate of Registration to work as a registered nurse (RN) or registered practical nurse (RPN) in Canada. Meanwhile, you must provide proof of the following to be eligible to register. Scroll down!
- Proof Of Canadian Citizenship: This includes a Permanent Residency or authorization to legally work in Canada.
- Completion Of A Nursing Program: Your completed nursing program must be equivalent to a 4-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma.
- Evidence Of Nursing Practice: This is in the category for which the IEN is applying within three years before a Certificate of Registration is issued.
- Successful Completion Of The NCLEX-RN: If you are applying for RN, then this is for you! However, if you are applying for RPN, you must have completed the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE). As well as the completion of the RN/RPN Jurisprudence Examination.
- Language Proficiency: Additionally, you must provide evidence of language proficiency in either English or French.
Your provincial regulator will determine if you need to take additional steps. For instance, if you live in Ontario rather than Alberta or British Columbia, your registration requirements may differ.
Credential Assessments
If you are a foreign-trained nurse, you will need to apply for an education evaluation to verify if your certificate is equivalent to the Canadian nursing standard. You may also need to demonstrate your knowledge and skills via a competency-based assessment. Furthermore, the nursing regulatory bodies in each province/territory are in charge of assessing your qualifications. They can also plan for nurses to write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE).
Education And Bridging Programs For Nurses
To become a nurse in Canada, it’s very important to upgrade your skills through a bridging program which is in addition to accreditation. Completing a bridging program will ensure that you are well-equipped with the proper knowledge to practice nursing and meet the required standards of care.
These bridging programs are the ideal route to convert your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. A lot of colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer bridging programs for nurses. We recommend that you delve more into the various bridging programs to see if you qualify for a program that meets your needs.
